Cyberbullying calls for some new weapons

Rebecca Ann Sedwick, 12, probably would say cyberbullying is relentless and inescapable - humiliation inflicted in front of an audience that spans the World Wide Web.

But she can't. Rebecca climbed to the top of a deserted silo near her Florida home last month and jumped to her death. She had texted a friend that she couldn't take it anymore.

Recently, the sheriff in Polk County, Fla., filed felony charges against the girls, 14 and 12, who allegedly taunted Rebecca. On social media, one called her ugly and told her to drink bleach and die.

The sheriff took some flak for criminalizing behavior that is as old as schoolyards, but changing times call for changing tactics.

Today's cyberbullying is more extreme than the bullying anyone older than 30 remembers. Before such abuse went digital, victims at least had escape routes - at home, in an activity, or when they changed schools.

Nearly one in four students say they have been victims of cyberbullying at some point. Thankfully, only a handful of cases have ended with suicide, and few rise to the level of criminality. But for those that do, prosecution is appropriate.

Parents remain the first line of defense against cyberbullying. Too many, however, ignore their children's online behavior, deny that their kids could be bullies, or are themselves models for this harmful behavior. The stepmother of the 14-year-old charged with bullying Rebecca was charged last week with child abuse over allegations that she punched two boys visiting her home.

Schools also retain a major role. Every state but Montana has an anti-bullying law or policy, but more than half fail to address cyberbullying. New Hampshire has one of the best: It covers bullying anywhere as long as it "interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities."

Students themselves can have the biggest impact with a largely untapped approach: using the bullies' digital tools to shame them and defend their victims. In Hillsborough, Calif., freshman goalie Daniel Cui was bullied on Facebook in 2011 after allowing the winning goal in a major soccer game. His teammates rallied behind him, posting a photo of Cui making a huge save in another game.

Fighting back against bullies and denying them peer approval are the best antidotes. But when the standard remedies fail someone like Rebecca Sedwick, the use of criminal laws against stalking and harassment is fully justified.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Cyberbullying calls for some new weapons

Rebecca Ann Sedwick, 12, probably would say cyberbullying is relentless and inescapable ? humiliation inflicted in front of an audience that spans the World Wide Web.